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Six Lifestyle Habits To Manage Your Chronic Back Pain
Severe lower back pain is one of the most common complaints and which always comes to our nerves. It becomes a difficult task for us to perform our daily activities.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as obesity, no physical activity, poor posture, poor diet, and smoking, are the main culprits that result in back pain. However, by adopting a few lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce chronic back pain.
Management of Chronic Low Back Pain
Correct Posture
- Incorrect posture is the main reason for causing and increasing chronic back pain, primarily for today’s generation, who sit for hours without a break.
- Sit up straight and stop slouching. Slouching causes severe lower back pain, muscle tension, joint pain, reduced circulation, and fatigue.
- Avoid slouching while walking or standing, maintain proper spine alignment, and stand or walk with your back straight and your shoulders tall.
- Avoid prolonged sitting. Take regular breaks in between and walk around to minimize spinal cord compression and loosen muscle tension.
Exercise
- Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and tone.
- Perform stretching exercises to improve muscle flexibility.
- Stretch neck muscles regularly by turning your head from one side to another.
- Perform abdominal exercises to support lower back muscles, thus preventing chronic lower back pain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Being overweight or obesity can affect the abdominal muscles, causing problems for the pelvis and spine and leading to constant low back pain.
- Extra weight is responsible for chronic back pain as it causes muscle weakness, spine compression, spine misalignment, slowed metabolism, and slow recovery time.
- Obesity discourages individuals from engaging in everyday physical activities and impacts their overall health.
Lift weights Properly
- Many people have a misconception that they know how to lift heavy objects properly and safely. With improper lifting techniques, they can injure their back, giving rise to muscle strain and resulting in severe back pain.
- When trying to lift any heavy objects, bend your knees and keep the object close to your body. Also, take care not to twist your body while lifting, as it might cause severe right-side back pain and left-side back pain.
- Remember to wear a brace if the job requires heavy lifting. If an object is very heavy to lift, ask someone for help. If possible, use lifting devices to help lift loads.
Choose the Right Mattress
- A bad mattress often forces us to sleep in an unnatural position that twists and strains our back, which ultimately results in severe and chronic back pain.
- A high-quality orthopaedic or back-support mattress is the best option. Try "medium-firm” for a correct spine alignment.
- Prefer a new mattress. Place pillows behind the knees if sleeping on the back. If sleeping on the sides, then it’s a good idea to place pillows in between the legs so that the natural curve of the spine is maintained.
- These sleeping tips will help reduce back pain and provide a good night’s sleep. However, these are only temporary relief factors, and if you have chronic back pain, it’s advisable to consult your physician.
Nutritions and Anti-Inflammatory Diet to Eat Well
Our bones, muscles, and spine need healthy nutrition and an anti-inflammatory diet to be strong and function properly. Our diet must include the following nutrients to achieve good bone and muscle health and keep back problems at bay.Calcium
Calcium helps muscles, nerves, and cells to function normally. The body needs calcium as well as phosphorous to develop healthy bones. We can get calcium by consuming foods like;
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tofu
- Green leafy vegetables
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential and good for back pain. Adequate magnesium intake may help prevent muscle spasms and thus prevent back problems. Consume these foods to get magnesium –
- Green leafy vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Fish
- Beans
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Yogurt
Vitamin D3
It is good for calcium absorption. Inadequate vitamin D leads to weak, brittle, or misshapen bones.
Food that provides Vitamin D3 are:
- Fish
- Liver (or cod liver oil)
- Egg yolks
- Milk
- Morning sunlight
Vitamin C
It is vital for collagen formation. Sufficient consumption of vitamin C is crucial for the proper healing of injured muscles, tendons, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. Sources of Vitamin C are
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes and tomato juice, potatoes and other vegetables
- Green and red peppers
Proteins
The benefits of protein include an increase in muscle mass, tissue repair, and provide energy. Protein sources include
- Meat
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Pulses
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
Take care of your back by adopting the above-given lifestyle habits in your daily life, and be free from back pain as much as you can.
Citations
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0615/p1067.html
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, stretching exercises can relieve tight muscles and improve flexibility, reducing back pain.
It's best to avoid heavy lifting when you have back pain to prevent further strain. Ask for help if needed.
Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation and support overall health, which may help manage back pain.
Yes, sometimes doctors prescribe medications or pain-relief creams to manage back pain. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Using ergonomic chairs or pillows that support the back can improve posture and reduce discomfort while sitting or sleeping.
Yes, physical therapy exercises or massages can strengthen muscles and improve mobility, which may lessen back pain over time.
Gentle exercises like walking or swimming can strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility, which can ease pain.
Getting enough sleep on a comfortable mattress supports back health and helps muscles relax.
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